The Community Farm Kitchen
Joining

Please email us at info@communityfarmkitchen.com to reserve a membership share in the Community Farm Kitchen.
Or, send a paper letter to:
The Community Farm Kitchen
3007 Geddes Ave
Ann Arbor, MI 48104

A Community Farm contract, a Community Farm Kitchen membership form, and information about payment will be sent to you once we have heard from you.

Price and Payment

Joining the CFK involves joining the Community Farm of Ann Arbor. Prices for the 2008 season have not yet been set, but a full share of the farm for 2007 is priced on a sliding scale from $650-$1442, with a target share price of $950.
The service provided by the Community Farm Kitchen is not on a sliding scale and will cost an additional $1100 for the whole growing season. Please note that the price of a share in the CFK has increased $100 from last year.
Thus the total cost of being a member of the CFK will range from $1750-$2542, with a target of $2050.

This may seem like a lot, but, as the Community Farm literature says, "If you're not used to seeing your produce bills for the year in one lump sum, this may seem like a lot. But if you buy these amounts of biodynamic produce, you would spend more than this, and not have the added advantages of having a place in the country, a community of like-minded people, the freshest food you've ever eaten (except what comes from your garden), the fun of watching your children interact with animals and plants, and the joy of contributing to the creation of a healthy world."
Further, consider that you are paying $2000 for almost 6 months' worth of food, which comes down to roughly $320 per month.
It is also important to note that the Community Farm Kitchen is not devoted to making a profit. The cost of membership is directly related to the cost of ingredients, labor, and rent. The CFK will endeavor to be transparent about its finances to its members.

Sliding Scale
The Community Farm of Ann Arbor literature says, "The share price for the 2007 season is set at $950, with a sliding scale set by the members from $650 to $1,442. The sliding scale is intended to broaden the spectrum of people able to be involved in the Farm. Each member decides what they can best afford. If you can pay more than the average target figure of $950, you will help another family who can afford less. It is essential that we help each other to better our world. The sliding scale is not provided as a means by which to acquire cheap food. Rather, the lower end is to be used to allow people in challenged economic situations to participate in the wonders of the farm. The membership set the upper end of the range at $1,442 to reflect the cost of a share if the farmers were paid the median income for Washtenaw County. If the average share pledge is less than $950, and there is a budget deficit, members will be assessed an amount to make up the difference. The pledge is the share price figure that you choose. It is up to you to select that price. If you share your share, both parties should have agreement on the figure. You will both be held responsible for that amount."

Payment Options
Several payment options are available so you don't have to pay the full price up front. The first payment is due when you join. More payment information will be sent to you once you reserve your share.

Share Options

The CFK has three share options. Please choose the one that suits you best.

  • Whole Share. Get a whole share of Community Farm produce prepared each week by the CFK. Feeds approximately one family of four. Price: $1100 plus the price of a full share in the Farm.

  • Half Share. Get half the amount of produce processed for half the price. Suitable for singles, couples, and small families with young children. Price: $550 plus half the price of a share in the Farm.
    • With the Half share option, you have two pick up options:
    --Pick up a full share of produce alternating weeks, OR
    --Pick up half share of produce weekly

  • Half-and-half Share. Get a whole share of the Community Farm: pick up one week at the farm and cook it yourself, and the next week get your food processed at the CFK. Price: $550 plus the price of a full share in the Farm.